Minehead
Minehead is a seaside town and civil parish in the English county of Somerset. It sits on the south edge of the Bristol Channel, about 21 miles (34 km) north-west of the county town of Taunton, 12 miles (19 km) from the border with the county of Devon and in distance of the Exmoor National Park. In accordance with the 2011 Census, the town has a permanent population of around 11981, meaning that it is the most populated town in the West Somerset local government region. There is indication of human occupation in the region since the Bronze and Iron Ages. There was a small port at Minehead by 1380, which turned into a major trading centre during the medieval period. The majority of trade transferred to more substantial ports throughout the 20th century, however pleasure steamers did call at the port. A marked increase in building during the early years of the 20th century led to the wide main shopping avenue and surrounding streets with Edwardian-style architecture. There are a wide array of schools and religious, cultural and sporting facilities including sailing and wind surfing and golf. A popular ancient local custom involves the Hobby Horse, which takes to the streets for 4 days on the eve of the first of May each year, with accompanying artists and rival horses. The town is the starting point of the South West Coast Path National Trail, which is the country's longest long-distance countryside walking trail. The Minehead Railway was opened in 1874 and closed in 1971, however it has subsequently been reopened as the West Somerset Train. For all of your home improvements, be sure to find trusted contractors in Minehead to make certain of quality.
